230 



SNAKES OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 



superciliary yellow line; a yellow band on chin and throat me- 

 dially; belly yellow, the color reaching up halfway on sides; 

 eye blue, small; pupil round. 



Measurements of Laticauda laticaudata (Linnxus) . 



Total length 



Snout to vent 



Tail 



Length of head 



Width of head 



Depth of tail, gi-eatest 



581 



515 



66 



15 

 8.5 

 11 



Variation.— In the three specimens examined the ventral 

 range is 228 to 242; the subcaudal, 42 to 45; the number of 

 bands varies between 53 and 66. The variation of scale counts 

 in twelve specimens from various localities listed by Boulenger 

 is as follows: Ventrals, 210 to 240 (average, 227) ; subcaudals, 

 25 to 45 ; bands, 29 to 48. 



In this species, as in Laticauda colubrina, the subcaudals 

 average about 10 more in males than in females. Philippine 

 specimens have a higher average of ventrals, and a much higher 

 average number of bands. 



Remarks. — This species apparently does not attain as large 

 a size as Laticauda coluhrina. Specimens are usually found 

 about rocky seacoasts. They feed largely on small eels. 



Table 49. — Measurements and scale counts of Laticauda laticaudata 



(Linnxus) . 



In the Philippines specimens are known from Mindanao, Sulu, 

 Samar, and northern Mindoro. The species is widely distributed 



